Across the Miles of Love

Chapter 12: The Weight of Love and Loss

The soft whispers of the Parisian breeze drifted through the open windows of the small villa Ethan had called home since he had returned from Thailand. But tonight, the comfort of France's countryside could not ease the heavy ache in his chest. He sat alone, his thoughts pulled back to the days in Bangkok, the weight of memories far too heavy to shake off.

Flashback: Bangkok, Eight Years Ago

Ethan had hit rock bottom after his relationship with Lena had fallen apart. He was left broken, not just emotionally but financially, thanks to the machinations of her father. Every door he had tried to open was slammed shut. He had been blacklisted from major architectural projects, his reputation tainted by lies Lena's father had spread across the city.

What stung more than the loss of his career was the feeling of being completely alone. The love of his life had slipped through his fingers, and now their child, Sophia, was in his care, a small bundle of innocence and hope that kept him going.

It was during those dark days in Bangkok that Rina had entered his life.

She was breathtaking, a striking mix of Japanese and Thai heritage, her beauty turning heads wherever she went. Her almond-shaped eyes held a depth that had always intrigued Ethan, a quiet strength behind her gentle demeanor. Rina had been a childhood friend, someone he had known in passing through mutual connections. But back then, he hadn't known her like he did now.

She had appeared one evening, just when Ethan thought he had run out of options. His apartment was small, cramped, and far from the life he had imagined. Rina had found him sitting on the floor, staring at an eviction notice. Sophia, only a few months old, had been crying, and Ethan had been too lost in his despair to comfort her.

Rina hadn't said anything at first. She had simply walked over, picked up Sophia, and cradled her in her arms, her soft humming lulling the baby to sleep. Ethan had watched her, his heart heavy with both gratitude and shame.

"You don't have to do this alone, Ethan," she had said quietly, her voice filled with warmth and understanding.

Ethan had shaken his head, his pride getting the better of him. "I don't want to burden anyone. This is my mess. I'll figure it out."

Rina had smiled gently, sitting down beside him, still holding Sophia. "Sometimes, you don't have to figure it out alone. Sometimes, it's okay to let people help."

Over the next few months, Rina had become his rock. She had connections in the city that Ethan could never have reached on his own. Slowly, with her help, he had managed to get back on his feet, working small projects to provide for Sophia. But it wasn't just the professional help that Rina offered. She had been there for him emotionally, her presence a balm for his wounds.

They had grown close during those months, closer than Ethan had anticipated. He had seen the way she looked at him, the unspoken feelings in her eyes, but he had never crossed that line. His heart was still with Lena, no matter how distant she had become.

Rina, despite her own feelings, had never pushed him. She had simply been there, waiting, hoping that maybe one day, Ethan would see her in the same light. But Ethan had never been able to let go of Lena. The love he had for her ran too deep, and though he was grateful to Rina, he could never give her what she wanted.

Returning to France

When Sophia turned two years old, Ethan had made the difficult decision to leave Bangkok. The city held too many painful memories, and despite his efforts to rebuild his life there, he knew he needed a fresh start. His mother had offered to take care of Sophia, giving him the opportunity to focus on rebuilding his career in France.

The transition had been hard. Ethan had hated leaving Sophia, but he knew it was the right decision. His mother had adored her granddaughter, and with her help, Ethan had been able to slowly regain control of his life.

He had thrown himself into his work, taking on projects that brought him back to life, both professionally and emotionally. But despite the success he found in France, there had always been a part of him that felt incomplete. Lena had haunted his thoughts, and no matter how far he ran, the memory of what they had shared—and lost—stayed with him.

Meeting Rina Again

Five years passed before Ethan saw Rina again. By then, Sophia was seven years old, a bright and curious child who had started asking more questions about her mother. Ethan had been vague, not ready to explain the complexities of the situation to his daughter, but he knew the day was coming when he would have to tell her the truth.

Rina had shown up in France unexpectedly. She had been working on a project in Europe and had reached out to him. The moment he saw her again, memories of their time in Bangkok flooded back. She was as beautiful as ever, her presence still as calming and reassuring as it had been all those years ago.

"I couldn't stay away forever," Rina had said with a soft smile when they met at a café in Paris. "I've missed you... and Sophia."

Ethan had smiled, grateful to see her again. "We've missed you too."

Rina had become a part of his life again, this time more closely than before. She had joined his company, working with him on various architectural projects. Sophia adored her, and Rina had slipped seamlessly back into their lives, offering the same support and care she always had.

But despite the ease with which they fell back into their friendship, there had always been something unspoken between them. Rina's feelings for Ethan had never faded, though she had never voiced them. And Ethan, though grateful for her presence, had never been able to let go of Lena.

Present Day: France

As Ethan sat on the porch, watching the sunset over the French countryside, he couldn't help but think about the years that had passed since his time in Bangkok. So much had changed, yet so much remained the same. He still carried the weight of his love for Lena, even after all the heartbreak, and now, with her back in his life, the emotions he had tried to bury were surfacing once more.

Rina stepped out onto the porch, her presence quiet but steady. She had always been able to sense when Ethan was lost in his thoughts.

"You're thinking about her, aren't you?" she asked softly, taking a seat beside him.

Ethan didn't deny it. He sighed, leaning back in his chair. "I can't help it, Rina. After everything that's happened..."

Rina nodded, her gaze focused on the horizon. "I've always known, Ethan. Even back in Bangkok, I knew your heart wasn't fully here with me. It was with her."

Ethan turned to face her, his expression full of regret. "I'm sorry, Rina. You've done so much for me—for Sophia. I don't know if I'll ever be able to repay you for everything."

Rina smiled, though there was sadness in her eyes. "You don't owe me anything, Ethan. I've always known where we stood. I just... I hoped that maybe one day..."

Ethan reached for her hand, squeezing it gently. "I care about you, Rina. More than you know. But my heart..."

Rina shook her head, pulling her hand away gently. "I know. Your heart belongs to her. It always has."

They sat in silence for a moment, the weight of their unspoken truths hanging in the air. Rina stood after a while, her expression calm but distant.

"I'll always be here for you and Sophia," she said softly. "But I think it's time for me to let go."

Ethan watched as she walked away, feeling a mix of gratitude and sadness. Rina had been a constant in his life, but now, as the past came rushing back, he knew he had to face his future with Lena—if she would have him.